Two hundred and seventy years after its first performance, Handel’s “Messiah” remains the most frequently performed and most beloved work in the choral canon, featuring the majestic “Hallelujah” chorus, “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” and other favorites. Handel completed the entire composition in only 24 days, and the oratorio has been performed consistently – revised, updated, staged and returned to its “period” form – ever since.

“Until you have heard ‘Messiah’ led by Betsy Burleigh…you have yet to hear the work,” says Larry Rachleff, music director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. “Her interpretation is deep and important – filled with glory and epic fire.”

The perennial favorite holiday concert features a family-friendly start time of 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at The Vets in Providence. Tickets are available at www.riphil.org and the RIPO box office at 248-7000.